When dumping punitive taxation on those with surplus wealth (money that doesn't have to be spent on milk and such), remember that surplus wealth is where investment capital comes from. Also remember that people with surplus wealth are the ones who buy the newest technologies (cell phones, computers, flat panel TVs, electric cars, solar power installations) allowing the producers to eventually bring the prices down for the rest of us.

I agree that tax laws need drastic simplification, but it's never going to happen. The ability to grant favors and punish enemies through the tax laws is one of the most cherished powers of the politician, and they're never going to let it go.